Pancreas and Abdominal Pain

The pancreas which is an organ located behind the stomach is a key contributor in the digestive system, as it secretes enzymes to aid our bodies in food digestive.  It is also responsible for creating and secreting insulin, which is necessary for the control of blood sugar.

Specialists at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases describe Pancratitis as an inflammation of the pancreas.  A healthy pancreas will release enzymes which will break down food in the small intestine.  However, if the pancreas is inflamed, the enzymes will become active before leaving the organ and begin attacking the tissues that produce them.  This will lead to abdominal pain.

Symptoms of Pancreas and Abdominal Pain

Some symptoms include severe pain that appears suddenly in the upper abdomen and persists for two or three days.  This pain may generalize to the back as well.  Additional symptoms will include nausea and vomiting.  A fever will also be present, the pulse will become rapid.  Severe cases can cause dehydration and low blood pressure, kidney failure, and problems with the heart and lungs.  If there is bleeding in the pancreas, the result could be death.

Acute pancreatitis, a condition that occurs suddenly and is easily treated, is generally caused by gall stones.  Additionally, acute pancreatitis can be caused by long-term heavy alcohol consumption, trauma, a genetic abnormality of the pancreas, medications, infections, or tumors.  Chronic pancreatitis, which is inflammation with does not heal but sometimes worsens, is almost always caused by chronic, heavy alcohol consumption.  Other possibilities also include cystic fibrosis, high levels of calcium or blood fats in the blood, and certain autoimmune conditions.

To test for pancreatitis, the physician will perform a physical exam and run a blood test for specific digestive enzymes.  An ultrasound will generally be ordered to rule out gall stones.  Other tests that may be used in diagnosis include a CT scan, an MRI, and an ERCP.

Treatment for acute pancreatitis requires a short hospital stay, consisting of a few days.  Intravenous fluids, antibiotics, and pain medications, and pain medications will be administered, and the patient will not be allowed to eat for a few days to give the pancreas an opportunity to rest.  Long term treatment will include a diet modification, cutting out fatty foods and alcohol, and the patient will be advised not to smoke.  Treatment for chronic pancreatitis is initially the same.  Upon stabilization, the physician may prescribe synthetic pancreatic enzymes to replace those not being produced by the pancreas, and the patient will be advised to eat a diet of small, low fat meals, and to restrict or cease consumption of alcohol.